The art practitioners, art aficionados, cultural journalists and – above all – the regular audience members of Egypt are really spoilt for choice when it comes to the contemporary arts scene, both in Cairo and Alexandria, and in several other cities. Even within the contemporary performing arts, there are countless events, formats, genres and colours,and a great deal of passion and dynamism on the part of practitioners.

Maria Vlachou is Director of Acesso Cultura (Access Culture), a non-profit association of culture professionals and people interested in accessibility issues, based in Almada, Portugal. In the first of a series of country profiles by local experts, Vlachou gives an overview of the arts & disability and access initiatives in Portugal.

This case study will examine Unlimited’s work supporting the British Council to take small parties of disabled artists and producers to IETM, both to give these creatives increased networking opportunities and to open up discussion about diversity within the network.

Discussion on the future EU budget has started. The negotiations are decisive for the next programming period (2020-2025) and the implementation of priority policies to advance the European project. Will these discussions reflect on Brexit and the push for nationalism in a growing number of EU Member States? Will the EU budget address the relationship of European citizens and improve mutual understanding? What is the meaning that will be given to EU actions? Growth and competitiveness? Or will it boil down to greediness and selfishness?

Sexism goes deeper than sexual intimidation. Take the dance world. From recurring Lolita-fantasies on stage to auditioning naked and backstage power abuse; female dancers talk about the repercussions of a professional reality that celebrates unclear borders. ‘The only difference from sex workers is that we hide behind the name of art.’

This learning kit looks at awareness raising and advocacy as members of the same 'family', comprised of activities, methods and strategies that help organisations argue for certain heritage related issues or causes in a wider social and political arena. While focused on cultural heritage, it includes practical tips and strategies that you could find useful for the performing arts field as well.